More paramedics will be hired across mid Island

More paramedics will be hired to handle higher volumes of call-outs across the mid Island.

B.C. Emergency Health Services announced Thursday the addition of 30 paramedics across the region, along with three more ambulances.

Twenty-four full-time paramedics will be hired in Nanaimo and two each in Parksville, Qualicum Beach and Ladysmith.

“With growing call volumes and few full-time staff, this investment only makes sense,” said Health Minister Adrian Dix, in a press release from B.C. Emergency Health Services. “We are improving services the community counts on and ensuring paramedics are there when people need them.”

According to B.C. Emergency Health Services, the Nanaimo area has “relatively high” 911 call volumes and there had been an increased reliance on on-call work.

“These additional full-time positions will allow us to enhance the paramedic services we currently provide to the residents of Vancouver Island,” said Linda Lupini, executive vice-president of BCEHS, in the release.

Cameron Eby, president of the Ambulance Paramedics of B.C. CUPE 873, said his union local is encouraged to see more resources for the region.

“These new paramedic positions increase Nanaimo area residents’ access to highly skilled front-line medical professionals, while providing new job opportunities,” Eby said in the release.